President Donald Trump is facing a firestorm of criticism after his administration announced plans to construct a sprawling $200 million gold-plated ballroom on White House grounds just days after signing legislation that slashes health care access for 17 million Americans.
White House Confirms Lavish 90,000-Square-Foot Ballroom to Be Completed by 2029
The announcement, made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the new 90,000-square-foot (8,360-square-meter) ballroom will be completed before the end of Trumpโs current four-year term in January 2029. The opulent venue is expected to seat up to 650 people and host large-scale state dinners, galas, and diplomatic functions.
While Leavitt assured reporters that the cost would be covered by Trump himself and a group of private donors, the timing of the project ignited widespread outrage. Many see the move as wildly out of touch likening the presidentโs golden ballroom to the palace of Versailles, built in the shadow of widespread suffering and growing economic inequality.
Lauren underwood blasts gopโs โbig, ugly billโ โmillions will lose health careโ
โThe president is building himself a golden playground while millions of families lose their doctors,โ said Rep. Lauren Underwood , a vocal critic of the healthcare cuts. โThis isnโt just bad optics itโs cruelty dressed in luxury.โ
The administration has defended the planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom as a much-needed enhancement to the estateโs event-hosting capabilities. In a statement onย WhiteHouse.gov, President Trump referred to the addition as a โlegacy projectโ, emphasizing the impracticality of past outdoor events. โWhen it rains, itโs a disaster,โ he said, referencing previous use of tents for formal gatherings. โWeโre giving the White House the beautiful space it deserves.โ
However, critics argue that the gesture is symbolic of a broader pattern in Trumpโs leadership extravagant spending on projects tied to his image. At the same time, policies hurt the nationโs most vulnerable.
Historically, U.S. presidents have used the East Room and State Dining Room for official events. Occasionally, large dinners have been held in temporary tents on the South Lawn. While Trump insists the ballroom will follow historical White House design cues, many Americans view the timing as an insult added to injury.
Online users voiced anger over the ballroom plan, calling it wasteful and poorly timed following healthcare cuts.
Online, the reaction was swift and scathing. A tweet from political account @NoLieWithBTC went viral with over 7 million views:
โThe Trump administration just announced they will be building a massive $200 million gold-plated ballroom at the White House after signing a law cutting 17 million Americansโ health care.โ
Thousands of commenters echoed the sentiment, some calling the project โtone-deaf,โ โabsurd,โ or โa golden slap in the face.โ
Let them eat cake and pay for insulin out of pocket,โ wrote one user. Others joked that the White House was being turned into a โclub for billionaires,โ with one user writing, โIs it still called a state dinner if you need to crowdfund your hospital bills first?โ
People are worried because they donโt know who is providing the funding to support this project.
While the White House insists the funding is entirely from private donors, watchdog groups are already demanding transparency.
โWhoโs paying for this, and what do they expect in return?โ asked Adam Gold, executive director of Civic Accountability Now. โWe need to know whoโs buying influence in exchange for chandeliers and gold trim.โ
With past reports raising questions about foreign influence and donor access during Trumpโs first term, many are uneasy about large-scale private funding for a luxury government building especially one likely to host elite guests from around the world.
Construction Moves Ahead Despite Criticism, Sparking Public Concern Over Priorities
Despite the uproar, construction plans appear to be moving forward. According to officials, the First Ladyโs East Wing offices and some White House staff spaces will be temporarily relocated during the build. The structure will be placed behind the primary residence, designed to be both lavish and architecturally cohesive with the original mansion.
Trump, unfazed by the criticism, doubled down in an afternoon statement. โItโs going to be the most beautiful ballroom in the world. World leaders will come, and theyโll be amazed. Weโre putting America back on the map elegantly.โ
But for millions of Americans worried about losing access to life-saving treatments and affordable medication, the glamour of gold ceilings offers little comfort.
